Fishing group backs Murkowski for governor

The United Fishermen of Alaska said it chose +Murkowski+ after interviewing him and Democratic candidate Fran Ulmer. Ulmer said she now will take her message directly to fishing families.

The UAF board voted 15-to-2 Thursday in favor of +Murkowski+.

Ulmer said she was disappointed the board did not read her answers to a questionnaire before making its decision. But UFA President Robert Thorstenson Jr. said Ulmer handed back in the questionnaire with her answers too late for review. He said Murkowski got his in earlier.

Ulmer turned her questionnaire in at the interview with UFA board members Thursday.

Ulmer said her questionnaire has been posted on her Web site. She said she's also formed a group, ''Fishing Families for Fran.''